NYC's 6 Best Iced Tea Cocktails
What's more refreshing than a glass of iced tea on a hot, humid day in the city? Give your favorite cold caffeinated beverage a kick with these New York City iced tea cocktails for more of an adult way to cool down this summer. By Sarah Shaker.
More: NYC's 11 Best Seafood Sandwiches
Known for its Neopolitan pizza, Krescendo in Boerum Hill also features a robust bar overseen by Beverage Director Darren Crawford. This summer, sip on their Green Tea Cocktail made with Green Tea Infused Gin, Cochhi Americano, lemon, Domaine de Canton, honey and egg white. They've also recently launched a Spirit Hour for the summer, devoting each week to a different spirit category happening daily from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the bar. For $25 per person enjoy three tasting portions of the featured spirit, plus a special cocktail and a Margherita pizza.
More: NYC's 8 Best Low-Cal Summer Desserts
For those of us who go crazy for an Arnold Palmer in the summer heat, Vareli on the Upper West Side is offering a fresh spin on an adult version with their "Tea Thyme for Arnold." Garden Fresh Brewed Lemon Thyme Iced Tea is mixed with freshly squeezed lemonade and Rye Whiskey then garnished with a lemon wheel and lemon thyme sprig. Pair this iced tea and citrus cocktail with any of their small or large plates, perfect for sharing at both lunch and dinner.
Served in an adorable white teacup, Manon's Love To Turn You On is consulting mixologist Aaron Polsky's take on a gimlet: Made with steeped Serendipitea, honey, clarified lemon juice and his own Earl-Grey infused Brooklyn Gin, the drink is then topped with a lemon slice. Because Manon wishes to have guests order beverages without any liquor restraints from past experiences, the menu only lists simple flavor profiles and recommendations of cocktails you may like. For example, the 'Love To Turn You On" is listed as "sneaking gin into your iced tea" and described as "light and soothing." Enjoy this strong summer cocktail with their new menu by Executive Chef Tae Strain in their lounge or dining area lit by a gorgeous chandelier or late night during their popular nightlife scene.
Known for their late night "Sunday Funday" party, gorgeous gold decor and trendy downtown revelers, Goldbar in Nolita is the perfect spot to enjoy a summer tea cocktail on the dance floor. The Beijing Pearl is served tiki style, featuring Jasmin Pearl tea infused Spring 44 Gin, peach puree, lime juice and agave syrup, shaken or on the rocks, garnished with an edible orchid.
For something a bit more exotic, head to the Lower East Side for a whiskey-laced riff on Thai Iced Tea. The new for summer Bangkok Tea Cocktail at Songs Of Essex combines Jim Beam Honey Tea Whiskey and homemade Chai Milk made from steeped black chai cooled and served over ice. This strong, creamy cocktail is perfect to enjoy alone or paired with their comfort food entrees or variety of grilled cheese and mac n' cheese options.
Served at Marble Lane, by the pool at The Beach and on the rooftop of PH-D at Dream Downtown, DD-Tea is sure to cool you off this summer. Absolut Wild Tea, Stoli Citros, iced tea, lemon juice and Cardamom Syrup are shaken then strained into a glass over ice and topped with a lemon wedge. Enjoy this cocktail with an indulgent steak at Marble Lane or sip it alone as the sunsets on one of the outdoor levels of the hotel.
Sarah Shaker is the founder of the blog Bright Lights, My City.
